Job Interview Tips: How to Prepare, Impress and Land the Job

By Eliana

In the modern job market, securing a job is becoming increasingly challenging. As more and more qualified candidates apply for positions, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to stand out. With the job interview becoming longer and more extensive for most companies, qualified candidates need to learn how to showcase their skills in the context of a job interview in order to land their dream position. Whether you're a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, we have created this guide to help you nail your next job interview with these small tips and tricks.

1. Research the Company Thoroughly

Companies nowadays expect you to walk into their offices knowing who they are and what their mission is. With all of that information being easily available online, it would be a shame for you to mess up an interview because you have not researched the company extensively. Check their website, press releases, and any social media channels that they have in order to know where the company is standing on different issues and what their goals are.

Tip: If you know your interviewer, make sure to research them directly, as knowing their role and background can help you build rapport.

2. Understand the Job Description

The job description is the thing that will provide you with the greatest insight into the position. You should be prepared to answer questions about the specific skills they are looking for while connecting them to your specific background and skill set. Use specific examples to demonstrate your accomplishments and how they relate to the role. Example: If the job requires strong project management skills, make sure to have in your head examples of projects you had previously managed under a tight deadline or that had challenges you had to overcome.

3. Prepare for the basic questions

A big area that people mess up is that they don’t prepare for the simplest questions, such as providing an overview of themselves and their background. While these might seem obvious, these are the questions that most people mess up on as they don’t prepare for them. Therefore, when in an interview setting, they get stuck and are unsure of what to say.

This is why you should try to perfect your answers to these basic questions, so in case they come up, you don’t get stuck and mess up on the easy questions.

4. Ask Thoughtful Questions

In every interview, you will be asked if you have any questions. You should always have some great questions prepared to ask, as this will show that you have researched the company and that you are seriously considering the role and the responsibilities you will have if you accept the role.

Tip: Always ask about the growth potential of the role, as it shows your interest in growing within the company.

5. Mind Your Body Language

Non-verbal communication is very important, as showing that you are confident and open through your body language can help create a positive impression. A firm handshake, a smile, and general openness can help set a very positive tone in your interaction.

6. Follow Up After the Interview

Don’t forget to follow up after the interview. You should take the time within a day to say thank you to the interviewer for their time. You should always show appreciation and summarize that you are a good fit while reiterating that you are interested in the role.

7. Learn from Every Interview

Remember that every interview is a learning experience. After you finish with an interview, sit down and think of which areas you could improve on. You can also ask for feedback after you receive a rejection to see what you could do better the next time. Such feedback can be an excellent opportunity for growth.

Final Thoughts

You should walk into every interview with an open mind and always make sure to be completely prepared for the interview. Always know as much about the company and interviewers as possible. This will help you answer all of the tough questions while showing a clear interest in the position. Remember that you want the job as much as they want to find the right fit, so it’s a great idea to try and fit your experience into what they are looking for based on the job post.